OUTPUT 1

Strengthened knowledge and capacities of Bolivian key electoral stakeholders (TSE, TEDs, Political Parties, CSOs, media, and vulnerable voter groups) to collectively prevent electoral conflicts and promote trust in the electoral process 2025/26.

Activity 1.1: Conduct Electoral Political Economy Analysis (EPEA) and Electoral Security Threat Assessment (ESTA) studies

The project will engage key stakeholders to assess electoral conflict prevention challenges and opportunities. Using ECES’s EPEA methodology, it will analyze the political, economic, and social dynamics shaping electoral integrity and stability. ESTA will complement this by mapping security threats and electoral conflict hotspots using heat maps and correlation diagrams. These studies will establish baseline data to inform conflict prevention strategies and EU-funded initiatives, with ongoing monitoring throughout the electoral process.

Activity 1.2: Training and technical assistance to co-creating bilateral and multi-stakeholder conflict management and prevention strategies in regions with risk scenarios during the elections (Santa Cruz, El Alto, Cochabamba, Tarija)

Based on EPEA and ESTA findings, the project will provide training on electoral violence prevention, conflict mapping, and risk assessment. Stakeholders will co-develop conflict management strategies tailored to their roles in the electoral process. ECES will facilitate workshops, incorporating international best practices. These strategies will be implemented in priority regions, ensuring local ownership and alignment with Bolivia’s electoral framework.

Activity 1.3: Provide targeted technical support to the TSE, including advice on PEV, electoral integrity and legal aspects, production of communication strategies and products to strengthen the confidence and legitimacy of the electorate and political parties in the electoral registry and other sensitive features and phases of the Bolivian electoral process

ECES will support the TSE in addressing transparency challenges that may trigger electoral violence. Assistance will align with EU and OAS recommendations and focus on legal, operational, and communication aspects of electoral management. The project will help improve procedures, tackle disinformation, enhance civic education, and support voter engagement efforts. A structured work plan will be agreed upon with the TSE and TEDs, integrating international expertise and targeted technical support.

Activity 1.4: Provide targeted technical support to the 9 Departmental Electoral Courts (TEDs) to enhance their legitimacy and independence

ECES will assess TEDs' priorities (Activity 1.1) to strengthen their independence and credibility at the regional level. The intervention will focus on improving the OEP’s image and its role, as well as enhancing civic and voter education.

Based on EPEA and ESTA findings, ECES will provide expertise to increase transparency and inclusivity in electoral events. This may include strategies to clarify the OEP’s institutional role, reinforce previous engagement initiatives, and propose new monitoring mechanisms, particularly for women and PWD participation.

Institutional support will focus on engaging local actors to improve their understanding of OEP procedures, thereby boosting public confidence. In parallel, civic and voter education efforts will gather feedback from underrepresented regions and groups to refine outreach strategies. A participatory approach will ensure these efforts align with the OEP’s strategic goals and effectively reach all citizens, including marginalized communities.